Fiber termination block with splitters

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the management of cables extending to and from fiber termination blocks with sliding fiber adapter modules within a fiber distribution frame. The blocks include a splitter chassis and fiber optic splitters mounted within the chassis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cable management for optical fibertermination systems. Specifically, the invention relates to signalsplitting, terminations, and cable guides for managing the fiber opticcables within a frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the telecommunications industry, the demand for added capacity isgrowing rapidly. This demand is being met in part by the increasing useand density of fiber optic transmission equipment. Even though fiberoptic equipment permits higher levels of transmission in the same orsmaller footprint than traditional copper transmission equipment, thedemand requires even higher levels of fiber density. This has led to thedevelopment of high-density fiber handling equipment.

Examples of this type of equipment are found in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,497,444; 5,717,810; 5,758,003; and 6,591,051. These patents disclosesystems of high-density fiber distribution frames and high-densitytermination blocks (FTBs) which are mounted to the frames.

Typically, the splitting of an input signal into multiple output signalshas been handled by separate equipment. There is a need to manage moreefficiently splitting and termination functions associated with opticalfiber systems. Further development in fiber termination systems isdesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of this invention relates to a fixture for managing cablesattached to adapter modules. The adapter modules slide relative to thefixture for access to selected adapters. The fixture includes a chassisfor holding fiber optic splitter modules.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a fiber distribution framewith a plurality of fiber termination blocks with sliding cable adaptermodules mounted to the frame. The modules are mounted to the blocks toallow selective access to an adapter. The modules may be configured intwo groups which slide from opposite sides of the blocks. A splitterchassis is mounted to each fiber termination block for holding one ormore fiber optic splitters.

A variety of advantages of the invention will be set forth in part inthe detailed description that follows, and in part will be apparent fromthe description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. It isunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of theinvention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention, andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a high-density fiber distributionframe with fiber termination blocks in accordance with the concepts ofthe present invention, wherein only a lower portion of the frame isshown with one fiber termination block positioned on each side of theframe, and the right fiber termination block is shown exploded from theframe.

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 1,with the left fiber termination block shown exploded from the frame.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the fiber termination blocks fromthe right side of the frame of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the right fiber termination block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a further top view of the right fiber termination block ofFIG. 3, showing the termination access panels in the open positions.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the fiber termination blocks fromthe left side of the frame of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the left fiber termination block of FIG. 6,showing the termination access panels in the open positions.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the left fiber termination block,showing the termination access panels in the open positions, and anaccess cover removed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the left fiber termination block of FIG.6, showing installation of one splitter and one of the adapter modules.

FIG. 10 is a further perspective view of the view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the left fiber terminationblock of FIG. 9, showing installation of an additional splitter and anadditional adapter module being mounted.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the left fiber terminationblock of FIG. 6, showing the additional splitter exploded from thesplitter chassis.

FIG. 15 is a further perspective view of the view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the right fiber termination block ofFIG. 3, showing the access cover in exploded view.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the splitter and slack storage unit ofthe right termination block of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of the splitter and slack storageunit of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the splitter and slackstorage unit of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view the right fiber termination block of FIG.16, with the termination access panels and the front radius limiters inexploded view.

FIG. 21 shows the right termination block of FIG. 20, with the slidingadapter module mounting arrangement in exploded view.

FIG. 22 shows the splitter and slack storage unit of FIG. 17, includingan example splitter and cable routing.

FIG. 23 shows in side view the unit of FIG. 22 and some adapter modulesmounted to the block.

FIG. 24 shows an example labeling arrangement for an exterior of thetermination access panels.

FIG. 25 shows an example labeling arrangement for an interior of thetermination access panels.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the interior components of the splitter.

FIG. 27 shows the splitter of FIG. 26, including input and outputcables, and the sliding adapter modules which hold the individualconnectorized ends of the cables.

FIG. 28 shows the splitter and sliding adapter modules of FIG. 27 in topview.

FIG. 29 shows the sliding adapter modules of FIGS. 27 and 28 inperspective view.

FIGS. 30-32 are perspective views similar to FIGS. 14 and 15 showingfour splitters, one in exploded view, and a plurality of cable spooldividers to manage the cables from each splitter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fiber distribution frame 10 is shown.Similar fiber distribution frames are the subject of U.S. Pat. Nos.5,758,003 and 6,591,051, the disclosures of which are hereinincorporated by reference. Attached to fiber distribution frame 10 are aplurality of fiber termination blocks or fixtures, mounted in twovertical rows of blocks 20 on the left side of frame 10 and blocks 22 onthe right side of frame 10. Only one block 20, 22 is shown mounted toframe 10 in each row. Additional blocks 20, 22 can be mounted above theblocks shown to fully load frame 10.

Located between the two rows of fiber termination blocks 20, 22 is acable storage trough 12 including a series of spools 14 for organizingand storing excess slack for any cables to link between optical fiberterminations inside fiber termination blocks 20, 22 and/or otherequipment.

Note that fiber termination blocks 20, 22 are essentially the samedevice, but mirror images of one another for mounting on the left andright side of the fiber distribution frame 10, respectively. Itemscalled out and identified for either block 20, 22 should be understoodto apply to the other block, unless otherwise specifically mentioned.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, right fiber termination block 22 mounts on aright-hand side of fiber distribution frame 10. As will be described ingreater detail below, block 22 includes a front area 24 which defines aplurality of fiber optic terminations, such as adapters which connectaxially aligned fiber optic connectors. A rear area 28 of block 22defines a splitter area 30 and a slack storage area 32. Block 22includes a plurality of covers to selectively protect internalcomponents. Termination access panels 34, 36 protect front area 24 andthe fiber optic terminations 26 contained therein. Rear access cover 38protects splitter and slack storage areas 30, 32. Latches 39 allow forselective pivoting of panels 34, 36 or removal of cover 38.

As will be further described below, termination blocks 20, 22 allow formounting of the blocks 20, 22 to the frame 10 with or without fiberoptic splitters and cables extending therefrom mounted to the blocks.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-15, left fiber termination block 20 is shown asincluding front radius limiters 44 and divider walls 48. Divider walls48 receive slideable adapter modules 52. Divider walls 48 and adaptermodules 52 are preferably constructed as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,591,051. Additional sliding adapter arrangements are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,497,444 and 5,717,810, and U.S. Publication No.2007/0025675, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference. Divider walls 48 define longitudinal guides 49 for receivinglongitudinal guides 53 of the sliding adapter modules 52. Guides 49 areshown in the form of channels and guides 53 are shown in the form ofrails. Adapter modules 52 slide linearly along line L (see FIG. 11).Each adapter module 52 includes a plurality of adapters 54 for receivingand connecting two fiber optic connectors 76. SC type connectors 76 andmating adapters 54 are shown. Other connector and adapter formats can beused. Dust caps 74 are shown in unused adapters 54.

Each adapter module 52 includes a spring loaded slide handle 55 toretain each module 52 with divider walls 48 at the end of the slidingoutward movement, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,051. Each adaptermodule 52 further includes a pivoting handle 56 to allow selectiveaccess to the desired adapter module 52, as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,591,051.

Divider walls 48 define a left side 57 a and right side 57 b for leftand right adapter modules 52 a, 52 b to slide in opposite directions.Spaces or slots 50 between divider walls 48 each receive one of theadapter modules 52 during use.

With additional reference to FIGS. 16-32, left termination block 20 andright termination block 22 further include a splitter chassis 58positioned in rear area 28 for holding one or more splitters 66. Eachsplitter 66 includes at least one input cable 70 and a plurality ofoutput cables 72. Each of the input cables 70 and the output cables 72are terminated with fiber optic connectors 76.

Splitters 66 include flanges 68, 69 which are received in mountingchannels 62 in splitter chassis 58. In the illustrated embodiment,splitter chassis 58 defines four mounting slots 64 for receiving foursplitters 66. When mounting the splitters 66 to the splitter chassis 58,each splitter is received within one of the mounting slots 64 withinsplitter chassis 58. Each adapter module 52 holding the connectorizedinputs and outputs is received within adapter mounting slots 50 betweenwalls 48 in termination area 26.

As shown in the figures, splitter chassis 58 is mounted at a slightangle relative to a rear of the chassis, and a slight angle relative toa side of the chassis. The open end 60 is both tipped to the open sideand tipped down in the figures. Such a positioning improves cablemanagement by not excessively bending the cables to and from eachsplitter 66.

Splitter chassis 58 is selectively movable to allow improved access tomounting slots 64. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, mounting fasteners 80are loosened and splitter chassis 58 is allowed to rotate outwardrelative to splitter mounting plate 84. Mounting fastener 81 is allowedto slide in slot 82 to allow open end 60 of chassis 58 to pivot out forgreater access to add or remove a selected splitter 66. (See also FIGS.30-32.) Splitters 66 include a latch 67 for selective latching tosplitter chassis 58.

Splitters 66 are preferably modular units that slide into splitterchassis 58. Various splitter designs can be used including thosedescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/980,978, filed Nov. 3,2004; 11/138,063, filed May 25, 2005; 11/138,889, filed May 25, 2005;11/354,297, filed Feb. 13, 2006; and 11/064,164, filed Feb. 23, 2005;and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,885,798 and 7,218,827. These and other modularsplitters can be used with connectorized outputs, and inputs to allowfor blocks 20, 22 to be populated quickly during initial system setup.Alternatively, a frame with empty blocks 20, 22, as shown in FIGS. 3-8,can be set up initially without splitters 66 or the adaptor modules 52.As the system needs arise, appropriate splitters 66 and adaptor modules52 can be added. Customers can buy splitters 66, and the output cables72, and also the input cable or cables 70, remain organized by havingthe connectors held by the adaptor modules 52. The customer mounts thenew splitter 66 in the chassis 58, the new adaptor modules 52 in walls48, and the cable stack is wound on a cable spool as described below.

The various input and output cables 70, 72 from splitter 66 are providedwith appropriate slack so that the adapter modules 52 can be mounted inany of slots 50. Such slack is managed with a cable spool 90 in slackstorage area 32. A cable retainer plate 92 helps maintain the slackaround spool 90. Individual dividers 96 are positioned between groups ofcables to separate the cables for individual splitters. Through the useof dividers 96, the splitters can be handled separately and removed moreeasily should replacement or repair be desired. Cable ties or loops 94can be used to organize the input and output cables. As shown in theillustrated example, the inputs and outputs from two splitters 66populate side 57 a, and the other two splitters populate side 57 b.

Front radius limiters 44 define a cable fanning device with a series ofspaced cable guides 102 with a curved outer surface 104. Cablesconnected to the opposite sides of the adapter modules 52 pass throughthe cable fanning device and are passed around cable guide 110 and intotroughing 112 of frame 10 for passing to other blocks or other framesand equipment.

Splitters 66 can be any configuration desired by the customer, includingfor example 1×32, 1×16, or dual 1×16. If splitter 66 only has one input,then only one input connector 120 is provided. If dual inputs aredesired, then two input connectors 120 are used as shown in FIG. 26.

Blocks 20, 22 have a frame 130 which holds splitter and slack storageunit 132, front radius limiters 44, and divider walls 48. Otherconstructions for blocks 20, 22 are possible.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a fixturedefining an interior and an access opening communicating with theinterior; a plurality of modules mounted at module mounting locationswithin the fixture with each of the modules movably mounted in thefixture for movement along a line of travel, each one of the modulesincluding a plurality of adapters for holding a fiber optic connector,each adapter having opposite ends for coupling to a fiber optic cableconnector, each one of the adapters movable with the one of the modulesalong the line of travel, the plurality of adapters linearly disposedalong the line of travel for each of the modules, each adapter defininga longitudinal connector axis, the connector axes positioned parallel toone another; a splitter chassis mounted within the fixture, the splitterchassis moveably mounted wherein an open end is moveable toward and awayfrom the access opening of the fixture, wherein the open end of thesplitter chassis is also moveable with respect to the module mountinglocations within the fixture; a plurality of splitters mounted to thesplitter chassis through the open end, each splitter including a latch,each splitter individually latchable to the splitter chassis; an inputcable extending from one of the modules to each of the splitters; aplurality of output cables extending from the modules to each of thesplitters; and a spool mounted on the fixture, the spool havingremovable dividers and a removable end cap.
 2. A system according toclaim 1 wherein at least one module has one input cable connected to theone module, and at least two output cables connected to the same onemodule.
 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein a first set of theplurality of modules is moveable in a first direction relative to thefixture, and a second set of the plurality of modules is moveable in asecond direction relative to the fixture, the second direction differentfrom the first direction.
 4. A system according to claim 1 wherein themodules each have a longitudinal axis, the modules mounted on thefixture in side-by-side relation with the longitudinal axes generallyparallel to the line of travel, the plurality of adapters linearlydisposed along the longitudinal axis.
 5. A system according to claim 1wherein the fixture defines a plurality of channels, each of the modulesbeing disposed within a respective channel, and further comprisingcooperating guides on each of the modules and within the channelsaccommodating movement of each of the modules along the line of travel.6. A system according to claim 5 further including a plurality ofspaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of the walls defining the pluralityof channels, each of the modules being disposed within a respectivechannel, and wherein the cooperating guides are on each of the walls forattaching the modules to the walls.
 7. A system according to claim 3wherein the modules each have a longitudinal axis, the modules mountedon the fixture in side-by-side relation with the longitudinal axesgenerally parallel to the line of travel, the plurality of adapterslinearly disposed along the longitudinal axis.
 8. A system according toclaim 7 wherein the fixture defines a plurality of channels, each of themodules being disposed within a respective channel, and furthercomprising cooperating guides on each of the modules and within thechannels accommodating movement of each of the modules along the line oftravel.
 9. A system according to claim 8 further including a pluralityof spaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of the walls defining theplurality of channels, each of the modules being disposed within arespective channel, and wherein the cooperating guides are on each ofthe walls for attaching the modules to the walls.
 10. A fiber opticconnector assembly comprising: a fixture having a first end and a secondend; a plurality of signal transmission modules mounted on the fixturebetween the first and second ends, with each of the modules movablymounted on the fixture for movement along a line of travel, each one ofthe modules including a plurality of adapters for holding a fiber opticconnector, each one of the adapters movable with one of the modulesalong the line of travel, each adapter defining a longitudinal axis, thelongitudinal axes extending parallel to one another between the firstend and the second end of the fixture, wherein a first and a secondgroup of signal transmission modules are movably mounted adjacent to oneanother on the fixture and are configured so that the line of travel ofthe first group of signal transmission modules is positioned in a mirrorimage to the line of travel of the other group of signal transmissionmodules; a cable fanning device positioned at the first end, the cablefanning device including a series of spaced cable guides, each cableguide having a linear body extending transversely to the longitudinalaxes, the linear body having a curved outer surface, the cable guidespositioned such that each of the cables connected to a first side of themodules extends from the adapters in the modules to the curved body ofone of the cable guides and passes into a cable channel on the first endof the fixture; a splitter chassis mounted on the fixture and positionedat the second end, the signal transmission modules positioned betweenthe splitter chassis and the cable fanning device, the splitter chassismoveably mounted wherein an open end is moveable toward and away fromthe fixture; a plurality of splitters mounted to the splitter chassisthrough the open end, at least one input cable extending from one of thesignal transmission modules to each splitter, and a plurality of outputcables extending from each splitter to one or more of the signaltransmission modules; and a spool mounted on the fixture, wherein theinput and output cables for each splitter are positioned around thespool.
 11. An optical fiber distribution frame comprising: a supportstructure defining a vertical support; a plurality of fiber opticconnector assemblies mounted on the vertical support in a single row,each fiber optic assembly including: a fixture having a first end and asecond end; a plurality of signal transmission modules mounted on thefixture with each of the modules movably mounted on the fixture formovement along a line of travel, each one of the modules including aplurality of adapters for holding a fiber optic connector, each one ofthe adapters movable with one of the modules along the line of travel,each adapter defining a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axesextending parallel to one another between the first end and the secondend of the fixture; a cable fanning device positioned adjacent to thefirst end, the cable fanning device including a series of spaced arcuatecable guides, each arcuate cable guide having a linear body extendingtransversely to the longitudinal axes, the linear body having a curvedouter surface, the arcuate cable guides positioned such that each of thecables connected to a first side of the modules extends from theadapters in the modules to the curved body of one of the arcuate cableguides and passes into a cable channel on the first end of the fixture;a splitter chassis mounted on the fixture and positioned at the secondend, the signal transmission modules positioned between the splitterchassis and the cable fanning device, the splitter chassis moveablymounted wherein an open end is moveable toward and away from thefixture; a plurality of splitters mounted to the splitter chassisthrough the open end, at least one input cable extending from one of thesignal transmission modules to each splitter, and a plurality of outputcables extending from each splitter to one or more of the signaltransmission modules; and a spool mounted on the fixture, wherein theinput and output cables for each splitter are positioned around thespool.
 12. The optical fiber distribution frame of claim 11 wherein afirst and a second group of signal transmission modules are movablymounted adjacent to one another on the fixture and are configured sothat the line of travel of the first group of signal transmissionmodules is positioned in a mirror image to the line of travel of theother group of signal transmission modules, and further that the firstgroup and the second group of signal transmission modules are configuredto move in opposite angled directions to the cable fanning device.
 13. Asignal transmission cable management system comprising: a fixturedefining an interior and an access opening communicating with theinterior, wherein the fixture defines a plurality of channels, each ofthe channels sized to receive a module being disposed within arespective channel, and further comprising cooperating guides on each ofthe modules and within the channels accommodating movement of each ofthe modules along a line of travel, the fixture including a plurality ofspaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of the walls defining the pluralityof channels, each of the modules being positionable within a respectivechannel, and wherein the cooperating guides are on each of the walls forattaching the modules to the walls, wherein a plurality of modules canbe mounted on the fixture with each of the modules movably mounted onthe fixture for movement along the line of travel, each one of themodules including a plurality of adapters for holding a fiber opticconnector, each adapter having opposite ends for coupling to a fiberoptic cable connector, each one of the adapters movable with the one ofthe modules along the line of travel, the plurality of adapters linearlydisposed along the line of travel for each of the modules, each adapterdefining a longitudinal connector axis, the connector axes positionedparallel to one another; a splitter chassis mounted within the fixture,the splitter chassis moveably mounted wherein an open end is moveabletoward and away from the access opening of the fixture, wherein the openend of the splitter chassis is also moveable with respect to theplurality of channels of the fixture, wherein a plurality of splitterscan be mounted to the splitter chassis, each splitter including a latch,each splitter individually latchable to the splitter chassis, whereineach splitter includes at least one input cable extending from one ofthe modules to each of the splitters, and a plurality of output cablesextending from one or more of the modules to each of the splitters; anda spool mounted on the fixture, the spool having removable dividers anda removable end cap.
 14. A fiber optic connector assembly comprising: afixture having a first end and a second end; a plurality of signaltransmission module mounts mounted on the fixture between the first andsecond ends for use in mounting modules, with each of the modules beingmovably mountable on the fixture for movement along a line of travel,each one of the modules including a plurality of adapters for holding afiber optic connector, each one of the adapters movable with one of themodules along the line of travel, each adapter defining a longitudinalaxis, the longitudinal axes extending parallel to one another betweenthe front end and the back end of the fixture, wherein a first and asecond group of signal transmission modules are movably mounted adjacentto one another on the fixture and are configured so that the line oftravel of the first group of signal transmission modules is positionedin a mirror image to the line of travel of the other group of signaltransmission modules, and further that the first group and the secondgroup of signal transmission modules are configured to move in oppositedirections to a cable fanning device; the cable fanning devicepositioned at the first end, the cable fanning device including a seriesof spaced cable guides, each cable guide having a linear body extendingtransversely to the longitudinal axes, the linear body having a curvedouter surface, the cable guides positioned such that each of the cablesconnected to a first side of the modules extends from the adapters inthe modules to the curved body of one of the cable guides and passesinto a cable channel on the first end of the fixture; a splitter chassismounted on the fixture and positioned at the second end, the signaltransmission modules positioned between the splitter chassis and thecable fanning device, the splitter chassis moveably mounted wherein anopen end is moveable toward and away from the fixture for mounting aplurality of splitters to the fixture, wherein at least one input cableextends from one of the signal transmission modules to each splitter,and a plurality of output cables extend from each splitter to one ormore of the signal transmission modules; and a spool mounted on thefixture, wherein the input and output cables for each splitter arepositioned around the spool.
 15. An optical fiber distribution framecomprising: a support structure defining a vertical support; a pluralityof fiber optic connector assemblies mounted on the vertical support in asingle row, each fiber optic assembly including: a fixture having afirst end and a second end; a plurality of signal transmission modulemounts mounted on the fixture for use in mounting modules with each ofthe modules movably mountable on the fixture for movement along a lineof travel, each one of the modules including a plurality of adapters forholding a fiber optic connector, each one of the adapters movable withone of the modules along the line of travel, each adapter defining alongitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes extending parallel to oneanother between the first end and the second end of the fixture; a cablefanning device positioned adjacent to the first end, the cable fanningdevice including a series of spaced arcuate cable guides, each arcuatecable guide having a linear body extending transversely to thelongitudinal axes, the linear body having a curved outer surface, thearcuate cable guides positioned such that each of the cables connectedto a first side of the modules extends from the adapters in the modulesto the curved body of one of the arcuate cable guides and passes into acable channel on the first end of the fixture; a splitter chassismounted on the fixture and positioned at the second end, the signaltransmission modules positioned between the splitter chassis and thecable fanning device, the splitter chassis moveably mounted wherein anopen end is moveable toward and away from the fixture for mounting aplurality of splitters to the fixture, wherein at least one input cableextends from one of the signal transmission modules to each splitter,and a plurality of output cables extend from each splitter to one ormore of the signal transmission modules; and a spool mounted on thefixture, wherein the input and output cables for each splitter arepositioned around the spool.
 16. The optical fiber distribution frame ofclaim 15, wherein a first and a second group of signal transmissionmodule mounts are mounted adjacent to one another on the fixture and areconfigured so that the line of travel of a first group of signaltransmission modules is positionable in a mirror image to the line oftravel of a second group of signal transmission modules, and furtherthat the first group and the second group of signal transmission modulesare configured to move in opposite angled directions to the cablefanning device.
 17. A signal transmission cable management systemcomprising: a fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on the fixturewith each of the modules movably mounted on the fixture for movementalong a line of travel, each one of the modules including a plurality ofadapters for holding a fiber optic connector, each adapter havingopposite ends for coupling to a fiber optic cable connector, each one ofthe adapters movable with the one of the modules along the line oftravel, the plurality of adapters linearly disposed along the line oftravel for each of the modules, each adapter defining a longitudinalconnector axis, the connector axes positioned parallel to one another; asplitter chassis mounted on the fixture, the splitter chassis moveablymounted wherein an open end is moveable toward and away from thefixture; a plurality of splitters mounted to the splitter chassisthrough the open end, each splitter including a latch, each splitterindividually latchable to the splitter chassis; an input cable extendingfrom one of the modules to each of the splitters; a plurality of outputcables extending from the modules to each of the splitters; and a spoolmounted on the fixture, the spool having removable dividers and aremovable end cap.
 18. A signal transmission cable management systemcomprising: a fixture wherein the fixture defines a plurality ofchannels, each of the channels sized to receive a module being disposedwithin a respective channel, and further comprising cooperating guideson each of the modules and within the channels accommodating movement ofeach of the modules along a line of travel, the fixture including aplurality of spaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of the walls definingthe plurality of channels, each of the modules being positionable withina respective channel, and wherein the cooperating guides are on each ofthe walls for attaching the modules to the walls, wherein a plurality ofmodules can be mounted on the fixture with each of the modules movablymounted on the fixture for movement along the line of travel, each oneof the modules including a plurality of adapters for holding a fiberoptic connector, each adapter having opposite ends for coupling to afiber optic cable connector, each one of the adapters movable with theone of the modules along the line of travel, the plurality of adapterslinearly disposed along the line of travel for each of the modules, eachadapter defining a longitudinal connector axis, the connector axespositioned parallel to one another; a splitter chassis mounted on thefixture, the splitter chassis moveably mounted wherein an open end ismoveable toward and away from the fixture, wherein a plurality ofsplitters can be mounted to the splitter chassis, each splitterincluding a latch, each splitter individually latchable to the splitterchassis, wherein each splitter includes at least one input cableextending from one of the modules to each of the splitters, and aplurality of output cables extending from one or more of the modules toeach of the splitters; and a spool mounted on the fixture, the spoolhaving removable dividers and a removable end cap.